Speaktoit Assistanthttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/10504/all
enOvernight Recap: MyGlass Comes & Goes, Mailbox Adds Yahoo, iCloud Emailhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_myglass_comes_goes_mailbox_adds_yahoo_icloud_email
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/myglass_for_ios_620px.png" alt="MyGlass for iOS" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Apple will be closing up shop on iTunes Connect for the holidays beginning this Saturday, December 21, effectively freezing apps in time for nearly a week as the elves who work in the iOS and Mac App Stores enjoy time off with their families. Developers are racing to push out updates to their existing apps before the shutdown, including a few featured in today's recap...</p><h3>Google Releases, Then Yanks, MyGlass Companion App for iPhone</h3><p>Google Glass early adopters have been waiting impatiently for the promised companion app for iPhone, and the day appears to be coming soon. <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2013/12/17/google-releases-new-myglass-companion-app-for-google-glass/" target="_blank">According to MacRumors</a>, Google released the aptly named MyGlass app on Tuesday, which is used to configure and manage Glass settings from the handset. Unfortunately, MyGlass has mysteriously vanished from the App Store as quickly as it came, suggesting that Google released it prematurely. Here's hoping the free iOS app will return in time for the holiday break next week, when Apple effectively shuts down the store from pushing updates or new releases.</p><h3>Dropbox-Owned Mailbox Finally Adds iCloud, Yahoo</h3><p><a href="http://www.mailboxapp.com/blog/?p=1#mailbox-now-for-icloud-and-yahoo-mail" target="_blank">Mailbox announced Tuesday</a> that the Dropbox-owned third-party email solution has now added support for iCloud and Yahoo accounts, including older me.com and mac.com addresses. Version 1.7.0 of the free app also supports background syncing and includes the option to disable the "help me get to zero" banner as well as the swipe to open drawer, as well as the requisite bug fixes and user interface improvements. Dropbox users can also link their account with Mailbox and receive 1GB of free cloud storage, so it's worth downloading and putting through its paces just for that alone.</p><h3>All Apps Must Be Optimized for iOS 7 Beginning Feb. 1</h3><p>Apple wants iOS 7 to be the de facto experience for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners -- so much so that developers will be required to optimize their code for it come February 1. <a href="https://developer.apple.com/news/index.php?id=12172013a" target="_blank">According to a news post on the Apple Developer portal</a>, "new apps and app updates submitted to the App Store must be built with the latest version of Xcode 5 and must be optimized for iOS 7." Sadly, this move probably won't do much to encourage developers of orphaned apps to clean up their act, especially when Cupertino already requires app updates to be updated for the larger iPhone 5 display.</p><h3>Coast by Opera 2.0 Arrives with Sleeker, Faster Performance</h3><p>Part web browser, part Flipboard-style news reader, <a href="http://www.operasoftware.com/press/releases/mobile/2013-12-17" target="_blank">Opera Software announced Tuesday</a> the release of Coast by Opera 2.0, a big update to the iPad-only app. In addition to the ability to easily customize wallpaper with a long press on the home screen, the update offers a lightning-fast way to return to the previous page. PDFs can now be opened in other apps, and tiles that offer music or video playback can now be controlled with ease from the iPad lock screen. The free Coast by Opera 2.0 is now available from the App Store.</p><h3>Siri-Like Speaktoit Finally Hits Version 1.0 on iOS</h3><p>Although <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speaktoit-assistant/id491854246?mt=8" target="_blank">Speaktoit Assistant</a> has been floating around on the App Store for nearly a year, the app only this week celebrated a milestone with the release of version 1.0, delivering iOS 7 compatibility for the free Siri alternative which works on many older devices where Apple's virtual assistant does not. With more than nine million downloads on the Android platform, the universal Speaktoit now offers a lifetime Premium subscription upgrade which can now be had for $5.99 -- a whopping 70 percent discount, but only until this Friday, December 20, so act fast if you want a more personalized virtual assistant experience than Siri.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p><em>(Image courtesy of MacRumors)</em></p><p><em><br /></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_myglass_comes_goes_mailbox_adds_yahoo_icloud_email#commentsNewsApp StoreCoast by OperaGoogle GlassiCloudiOS 7iPad AppsMailboxMyGlassovernight recapSpeaktoit AssistantyahooiPadiPhoneiPodMacWed, 18 Dec 2013 13:39:12 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18899 at http://www.maclife.com25 Apps to Give Your iPhone An Upgradehttp://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/25_apps_give_your_iphone_upgrade
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u330237/2013/01/upgradeyourapps_620.jpg" width="620" height="448" /></p><p>You know that Men’s Health book series and website, <a href="http://eatthis.menshealth.com" target="_blank">Eat This, Not That</a>, right? That’s the one that explains why French toast is better than Belgian waffles, from a nutritional standpoint, or that an A&amp;W chili dog is a healthier choice than the deluxe cheeseburger. It’s fun to play around with, even if the chances we’ll actually remember their advice when we step up to the counter are small.</p><p>We thought that same concept would be great for apps, too. Just like you've gotta eat, iPhone and iPad users gotta use apps, but some people don’t venture too far past the packed-in options or maybe whatever’s at the top of the App Store charts. But maybe you’re settling for a plain old cake donut when you could have a mouth-watering strawberry and Nutella crepe — and a much better experience. We set out to replace your everyday apps, the workhorses you rely on. Sample from this buffet, and you won’t save any calories, but you <em>will</em> have an even better time using your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/25_apps_give_your_iphone_upgrade#commentsGalleryAnalysisAlarm Clock HDAppLifeAppscamera+chromeclearDark SkyDragon Go!EcouteEvernoteeviFantasticalgoogle mapsgoogle searchIGVoiceimo messengerInk CardsInstacastiPhotoKitCamPhotoSyncPogoplugQuick GraphSmartr ContactssparrowSpeaktoit AssistantTweetbotFeaturesiPadiPhoneiPodHow-TosSat, 05 Jan 2013 03:25:00 +0000Andrew Hayward, J.R. Bookwalter, and Susie Ochs15915 at http://www.maclife.comPrice Drop: The Weekend's Best iOS App Deals, November 30http://www.maclife.com/article/news/price_drop_weekends_best_ios_app_deals_november_30
<!--paging_filter--><p>Looks like a mixed bag of media, games, cuteness, creation, and productivity this week. So you'll be sure to get your fill of all kinds of appy needs. So let's get to it.</p><h3>Jay &amp; Silent Bob in Too Fat To Fly</h3><p><img src="/files/u124583/to_fat_to_fly.png" width="184" height="188" /></p><p>What's up, snooches? Maybe you haven't noticed, but Jay &amp; Silent are in the App Store and they're free, so fire this tubby sack across &nbsp;your screen, punks. Get it <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fid541591374%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30 ">Jay sized</a> or <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fid541592509%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30 ">Bob sized</a> or both.</p><h3>Speaktoit Assistant</h3><p><img src="/files/u124583/speaktoit_assistant.png" width="188" height="195" /></p><p>Siri for the iPhone 4 crowd, <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fid491854246%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30 ">now it's free</a> so if you don't have a newer phone, at least some voice assistance will come in handy.</p><h3>WeatherPro for iPad</h3><p><img src="/files/u124583/weatherpro_for_ipad.png" width="187" height="193" /></p><p>This pretty little weather app's on sale for <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fid373515261%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30 ">just $1.99</a>, so give it a look.</p><h3>4 Elements II HD</h3><p><img src="/files/u124583/elements_4.png" width="196" height="193" /></p><p>Collect cards as your rise through multiple levels in this gem matching game and set the fairies free. <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fid527877785%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30 ">Now on sale for $3.99</a>.</p><h3>YouVideo for Youtube</h3><p><img src="/files/u124583/youvideo_for_youtube.png" width="186" height="195" /></p><p>Was $4.99, <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fid578251570%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30 ">now free</a>. Get your YouTube action on with this freebie.</p><h3>xPlan</h3><p><img src="/files/u124583/xplan_0.png" width="181" height="186" /></p><p>Great snakes, this is a sale! One of the premier project management apps has slashed their price <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fid360108147%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30 ">from $29.99 to $1.99.</a> Heck, you should buy it just on the off chance that someday you MIGHT want it.</p><h3>AcePlayer －Powerful Media Player</h3><p><img src="/files/u124583/aceplayer_-powerful_media_player.png" width="179" height="190" /></p><p>Play music, play movies, look at photos, stream content, whatever you want <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fid540326056%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30 ">for $0.99</a> in this little media player.</p><h3>Spark Player - Powerful Media Player</h3><p><img src="/files/u124583/spark_player_-_powerful_media_player.png" width="185" height="185" /></p><p>Or save yourself a buck and try this one out for size at the <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fid573536570%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30 ">low cost of free</a>.&nbsp;</p><h3>TinyScan Pro - PDF Scanner</h3><p><img src="/files/u124583/tinyscan_pro_-_pdf_scanner.png" width="182" height="186" /></p><p>Turn your iPhone into your newest scanner and do it <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fid556500145%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30 ">for free</a> with this app.</p><h3>Auria</h3><p><img src="/files/u124583/auria.png" width="182" height="188" /></p><p>A deep track price cut, this 48-track music mixer for your iPad is on sale at half off, brining it <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fid524122834%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30 ">down to $24.99</a> for today only.</p><h3>Tappi Bear All in 1</h3><p><img src="/files/u124583/tappi_bear_all_in_1.png" width="185" height="180" /></p><p>Pick up some serious cuteness with Tappi Bear and get 8 games in 1 for <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fid391337824%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30 ">the price of none</a>.</p><h3>Tap Tap Kick - Tappi Bear</h3><p><img src="/files/u124583/tap_tap_kick_-_tappi_bear.png" width="189" height="184" /></p><p>Get Tap Tap Kick for the same <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fid421337226%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30 ">low price of free</a> and really wrack up some beary cuteness.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/price_drop_weekends_best_ios_app_deals_november_30#commentsNews4 elements ii hdace playerAuriajay & silent bobspark playerSpeaktoit Assistanttap tap kicktappi beartinyscan protoo fat to flyweatherpro for ipadxPlanYouTubeYouVideoiPadiPhoneiPodFri, 30 Nov 2012 22:35:38 +0000J Keirn-Swanson15699 at http://www.maclife.comThe Week's 10 Hottest Apple News Stories, February 10thhttp://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/weeks_10_hottest_apple_news_stories_february_10th
<!--paging_filter-->http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/weeks_10_hottest_apple_news_stories_february_10th#commentsGalleryNewsReviewsFBIGaragebandiPad 3iTunes MatchkickstarterSpeaktoit AssistantSpotifySteve JobsTweetbotTwitterValentine's DayiPadiPhoneiPodMacHow-TosGamesSat, 11 Feb 2012 01:30:00 +0000J Keirn-Swanson13270 at http://www.maclife.comSpeaktoit Assistant Brings Siri-Like Features to Older iPhoneshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/speaktoit_assistant_brings_sirilike_features_older_iphones
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/speaktoit_assistant_200px.png" alt="Speaktoit Assistant" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />There’s no denying that Siri is a great addition to the iPhone 4S, but now that Apple removed the free Siri Virtual Assistant app from the App Store, what’s an owner of older hardware to do? Enter Speaktoit, which promises to bring Siri-style technology to iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 users.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.speaktoit.com/" target="_blank">Speaktoit LLC has announced</a> the availability of <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fspeaktoit-assistant%252Fid491854246%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;Speaktoit Assistant" target="_blank">Speaktoit Assistant</a>, a Siri-style virtual assistant that brings similar functionality to devices that can’t get it (without a jailbreak, anyway) -- namely, the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4.<br /><br />The app is noteworthy for debuting on Android first back in October, where it quickly gained the attention of <em>The New York Times</em>, who dubbed it a Top Ten Android App for 2011. Porting Speaktoit Assistant to iOS may seem like an odd move given the big push Apple is giving its own Siri technology, but for now users of older handsets are left out in the cold, and Speaktoit Assistant makes it a reality right now.<br /><br />“The Speaktoit Assistant is a virtual buddy for your smartphone that answers questions in natural language, performs tasks, and notifies you about important events,” the company’s website explains. “The Assistant saves you time and makes communication with gadgets and web services easier and less stressful.”<br /><br />Unlike Siri, Speaktoit Assistant allows users to customize their avatar rather than talking to a faceless circle, search maps outside the U.S., update your Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare accounts and claims to be more conversational than Siri, actually speaking its results.<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fspeaktoit-assistant%252Fid491854246%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;Speaktoit Assistant" target="_blank">Speaktoit Assistant</a> is $1.99 from the App Store and requires iOS 4.0 or later (sorry, no original iPhones here!). However, the company is running a promotion on Valentine’s Day only -- that’s this Tuesday, February 14, 2012 -- and the app will be free to the first 100,000 App Store customers. If you happen to own an Android device, the app is free for all.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/speaktoit_assistant_brings_sirilike_features_older_iphones#commentsNewsApp Storeiphone 3gsiphone 4SiriSpeaktoit Assistantvirtual assistantvoice activationvoice commandsiPhoneFri, 10 Feb 2012 13:37:17 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13265 at http://www.maclife.com